Fur Farmers: Compensation

Lord Kimball: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will consider making ex gratia payments to fur farmers entitled to compensation under the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Act 2000 in recognition of the difficulties caused to them by the long period of time between the ban on compensatable investment in the businesses imposed in March 1999 and the likely commencement of the compensation scheme under the Act.

Lord Whitty: The Government are committed to providing fair compensation to fur farmers put out of business by the ban on fur farming under the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Act 2000. As required under the Act, we will consult the industry on the details of the compensation scheme later this year. The Government will then consider the responses received and lay the necessary statutory instrument before Parliament. The Government understand the need to move as fast as possible on this matter.

Agriculture Council, 19 June 2001

Lord Haskel: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What was the outcome of the Agricultural Council held in Luxembourg on 19 June.

Lord Whitty: My right honourable friend the Secretary of State (Mrs Margaret Beckett) attended the meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg on 19 June.
	The Council adopted by qualified majority (Spain and Netherlands opposing) measures to tackle the problems in the EU beef market resulting from the discovery of BSE in certain continental countries late last year. We are pleased to secure important exemptions for United Kingdom farmers from the measures cutting back suckler cow production, in recognition of the particular impact of FMD, as well as rejection of the excessively bureaucratic proposals to impose individual farmer quotas on beef special premiums and to reimpose the 90 head limit on individual claims.
	The Council also adopted--by qualified majority with Spain opposing and Portugal abstaining--rules to restrict the use of close confinement stalls for sows. This brings other countries into line with conditions already applying here. It is an important and welcome step to improve pig welfare across the Community, albeit less radically than we would have preferred.
	The Council also resolved to improve the welfare of animals during transport, which I urged must be given effect speedily.
	Colleagues were upated on the latest situation on FMD in the UK. The Council also discussed further measures on BSE, as a result of which the Commission will enact a range of further controls including an extension to the current ban on the use of animal protein in animal feed.
	The Council unanimously adopted conclusions following up the Copenhagen Conference on organic food and farming, and setting the framework for a European Action Plan. It unanimously agreed proposals concerning the olive oil and hops regimes, inspection and control of animal feedingstuffs, a special aid scheme for small farmers and a common position on controlling undesirable substances in animal feed. By qualified majority, it agreed common positions on the processing, use and disposal of animal by-products and on classical swine fever (Germany and Austria opposing in both cases).

Treaty of Nice

Lord Moynihan: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they anticipate that the enlargement process will be delayed as a result of the Irish referendum rejecting the Nice Treaty; and
	Whether they will consider the renegotiation of any part of the Nice Treaty, in particular those parts that do not relate to the enlargement process, as a result of the rejection of the Treaty in the Irish referendum; and
	How they intend to achieve "rapid progress on the enlargement of the European Union" in light of the Irish rejection of the Nice Treaty.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The 11 June General Affairs Council expressed regret at the result of the Irish referendum on the Treaty of Nice, while respecting the will of the Irish people. The GAC noted that the Irish Government is deeply and firmly committed to the EU and to the ratification of the Treaty of Nice. The Fourteen expressed their readiness to contribute in every possible way to help the Irish Government find a way forward, taking into account the concerns reflected by this result, without reopening the text of the Nice Treaty.
	The Gothenburg European Council confirmed these conclusions, and reaffirmed that the ratification process for the Treaty of Nice will continue so that the Union is in a position to welcome new member states from the end of 2002.
	Heads of State and Government also agreed that, provided progress towards meeting the accession criteria continues at an unabated pace, the enlargement road map should make it possible to complete negotiations by the end of 2002 for those candidate countries that are ready. The objective is that they should participate in the 2004 European Parliament elections as members.

Council of the European Union: Forthcoming Business

Baroness Rendell of Babergh: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for July, and what are the major European Union events for the period between 31 July and December.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: See attached:
	July 10--ECOFIN Meeting--Brussels
	Draft Agenda
	1. Work Programme of the Presidency
	--Presentation and public discussion
	2. Adoption of provisional agenda
	3. (poss) Adoption of "A" points list
	4. Follow-up of the European Council of Go
	teborg
	5. Public finances in the EMU
	--Report of the Commission
	6. Fiscal policy of the European Union
	--Communication of the Commission
	--Orientation debate
	7. Calendar of the Tax package
	--Adoption
	8. Miscellaneous
	PM Euro Group
	Other business
	5-6--Liege--Informal Employment and Social
	Affairs Council
	13-14--Brussels--Regional Territories Council
	(Informal)?
	16-17--Brussels--General Affairs Council
	20--Brussels--Budget Council
	23-24--Brussels--Agriculture Council
	No agendas for the above are available yet.
	The following are the principal events in the EU between 1 August and December 2001 (certain relevant events are also included: the list is based on the information available at the date of issue).
	
		European Calendar: August 2001-December 2001
		
			 Date Location Event 
			 August 2001 There are no Councils scheduled for August  September 2001 
			 6-7 Bruges External Trade Council  (Ministerial Informal) 
			 8-9 Genval Gymnich 
			 14-16 Leuven and  Louvain-  la-neuve Environment Council (Ministerial  Informal) 
			 16-18 Alden Biezen Agriculture Council (Ministerial  Informal) 
			 22-23 Liege ECOFIN (Informal) 
			 24-25 Brussels Agriculture Council 
			 27 Brussels Internal Market, Consumers and  Tourism Council 
			 27-28 Brussels Justice and Home Affairs Council 
			 October 2001 
			 1 Brussels Research Council 
			 1 Brussels European Union Military  Committee in Chiefs of Defence  Session (Possible) 
			 8 Brussels Employment and Social Affairs  Council 
			 8-9 Luxembourg General Affairs Council 
			 9 Brussels Urban Metropolitan Policy  Council (Ministerial Informal) 
			 11-12 Brussels Defence Council (Ministerial  Informal) 
			 15-16 Brussels Transport and  Telecommunications Council  (Possible) 
			 16 Brussels ECOFIN 
			 19 Ghent European Council (Informal) 
			 22-23 Brussels Agriculture Council 
			 25 Brussels Fisheries Council 
			 29 Brussels Environment Council 
			 29-30 Brussels General Affairs Council 
			 November 2001 
			 5 Brussels Cultural and Audio-visual  Council 
			 6 Brussels ECOFIN 
			 8 Brussels Development and Co-operation  Council 
			 9 Brussels European Union Military  Committee in Chiefs of Defence  Session 
			 12 Brussels Employment and Social Affairs 
			 15 Brussels Health Council 
			 16 Brussels Justice and Home Affairs Council 
			 19-20 Brussels General Affairs Council 
			 19-20 Brussels Agriculture Council 
			 19-20 Brussels Capabilities Improvement  Conference (Defence Ministers  present) 
			 21-22 Brussels Budget Council (Possible) 
			 26 Brussels Internal Market, Consumers and  Tourism Council 
			 27 Brussels Fisheries Council (Possible) 
			 29 Brussels Education and Youth Council 
			 December 2001 
			 3 Brussels Employment and Social Affairs  Council 
			 4 Bruges Culture Council (Informal) 
			 4 Brussels ECOFIN 
			 4 Brussels Energy Council 
			 5 Brussels Industry Council 
			 7-8 Brussels Transport and  Telecommunications Council 
			 7-8 Brussels Justice and Home Affairs Council 
			 10 Brussels Research Council 
			 10-11 Brussels General Affairs Council 
			 12-13 Brussels Environment Council 
			 14-15 Brussels/  Laeken European Council 
			 17-18 Brussels Agriculture Council 
			 19-20 Brussels Fisheries Council

Additional Pension Recipients: Forecast

Baroness Turner of Camden: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will estimate, beginning with 2001, how many of those reaching state retirement age in each of the next five years will receive (a) income from SERPS; (b) income from a public sector occupational pension scheme; (c) income from a defined benefit occupational pension scheme; (d) income from a defined contribution occupational pension scheme; (e) income from a group personal pension plan; (f) income from an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC); (g) income from a Free-Standing Additional Voluntary Contribution (FSAVC); (h) income from a personal pension plan; or (i) some combination of the above.

Baroness Hollis of Heigham: The estimated number of people retiring with SERPS entitlement in the next five years is given in the table below.
	
		Number of people who will receive Additional Pension
		
			 Year Thousands 
			 2001-02 428 
			 2002-03 453 
			 2003-04 484 
			 2004-05 507 
			 2005-06 517 
		
	
	Detailed information is not available to estimate sources of non-SERPS income in the future. However, survey data indicates that 66 per cent of recently retired pensioners (couples or individuals) have income from occupational pensions and 73 per cent of recently retired pensioners (couples or individuals) have some income from investment income (which includes personal pensions). Many of those in receipt of income from occupational or personal pensions will also receive some SERPS income.

Warrington: Benefit Recipients

Lord Hoyle: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	(a) How many pensioners in Warrington receive the £200 winter fuel payment; (b) how many pensioners over 75 in Warrington receive the free television licence; (c) how many pensioners in Warrington receive the minimum income guarantee; and (d) how many pensioners in Warrington qualify for the guaranteed minimum income guarantee and are not receiving it.[HL87].

Baroness Hollis of Heigham: Thirty-three thousand, eight hundred and sixty-three winter fuel payments were made in Warrington in 2000-01.
	The BBC is responsible for the administration of the free television licence scheme, and we understand that a geographical breakdown of the number of free licences issued is not available. However, we estimate that 11,980 people aged 75 years old or over (who may benefit from a free television licence) live in Warrington.
	We also estimate that 5,000 people in Warrington benefit from the minimum income guarantee.
	Estimates of people who may be eligible for but who have not claimed minimum income guarantee are not available below national level.

Lone Parents in Work

Lord Northbourne: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the target they have set themselves in the White Paper Towards Full Employment to raise to 70 per cent the proportion of lone parents in work includes non-resident fathers.

Baroness Hollis of Heigham: Lone parents face problems on moving into work due to balancing their work life with their caring responsibilities. This is why we are providing extra help for lone parents to reduce these inequalities and offer them a range of choices to gain more independence through moving into work.
	We have set ourselves the ambitious target for the next 10 years of increasing the number of lone parents in work from just over half to 70 per cent. This target does not include non-resident fathers unless they are lone parents with dependent children in their own right.

Ascension Island: Feral Cats

Lord Beaumont of Whitley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 15 June 2000 (WA 207), what progress has been made with the Ascension Island feral cat programme; whether they believe that the sooty tern population is now sustainable; whether further measures will have to be taken; and, if so, what.

Baroness Amos: My honourable friend John Battle, the then Minister of State, announced on 26 March 2001 that the FCO was making available £500,000 to support a project to be implemented by the RSPB and the island's administration to restore the seabird breeding colonies on Ascension Island.
	The sooty tern population can only be sustainable if the threats to the sooty tern breeding colonies can be removed. Recent surveys have shown a reduction in the number of feral cats near the breeding grounds.
	The RSPB plans to eradicate feral cats completely from the breeding grounds and eventually to eradicate rats too. The RSPB and the Administration hope to implement methods and procedures to prevent rats from returning to the island.

Northern Ireland: Immigration Act Detainees

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether Immigration Act detainees have been and are still held together with convicted offenders in Northern Ireland or Scotland; if so, whether this contravenes the United Nations Principles for the Protection of Persons under Detention (1998) and the European Prison Rules (1997); and whether they have plans for alternative arrangements which will provide easy access to legal advice for detainees.

Lord Rooker: Immigration Act detainees in United Kingdom prisons are generally held with unconvicted or remand prisoners. In Northern Ireland, from the end of May this year, Immigration Act detainees are being held at Her Majesty's Prison Maghaberry in a separate unit for "vulnerable" prisoners. Where possible, Immigration Act detainees will be held separately within this separate unit.
	We are satisfied that these arrangements comply both with the United Nations Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons Under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment and the European Prison Rules.

Pet Shops and Animal Rights Extremism

Lord Campbell of Croy: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they are aware of attacks made by animal rights extremists on pet shops; and whether they are willing to give advice to shopkeepers who may be targets.

Lord Rooker: The National Public Order Intelligence Unit informs me that for many years pet shops have been targeted occasionally by animal rights activists, with acts of criminal damage being committed and pets being released into the wild. But they are not aware of any attacks in the past 18 months.
	The Guidance on Personal Safety chapter in the Consultation Document on the Government's Strategy for dealing with Animal Rights Extremism, issued at the end of March, contained information on measures which could be taken by any organisation or individual targeted by animal rights extremists. A copy of the document is in the Library. A handbook of guidance for people at risk from animal rights extremism will be published shortly and advice on protection against crime is available from local police forces.

Assaults on Police Officers

Lord Hardy of Wath: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many police officers were assaulted whilst on duty last year; and in how many of the cases custodial sentences were awarded.

Lord Rooker: Recorded crime data do not in general record the profession of victims. Assaults on police officers may be recorded as any of a range of offences in the violence against the person category. However, the specific offence of assault on a constable is recorded separately in England and Wales, and Northern Ireland. There were 27,152 such offences in England and Wales in the year ending September 2000, and 1,464 offences in Northern Ireland in the year ending March 2001. In Scotland, assaults on a constable are not counted separately from other assaults.
	In England and Wales, 1,435 were offenders sentenced to immediate custody in 1999 for assault on a constable, where this was the principal offence prosecuted. Details of sentencing are not available for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

National Hi-Tech Crime Unit

The Earl of Northesk: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many of the available posts within the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit have been filled; and whether they consider that recruitment to, and funding of, the unit are adequate.

Lord Rooker: The National Hi-Tech Crime Unit, within the National Crime Squad, is seeking to fill up to 43 posts by the end of summer 2001. Individuals have been recruited already to fill 26 of those posts and most of those staff are now in post. Selection interviews are taking place in the first two weeks of July to fill up to another 13 posts, with recruitment of staff to fill outstanding posts beginning shortly afterwards. Contrary to recent media reports the unit is not having difficulty recruiting staff.
	The Government have made £8 million available to the police this year, £9 million next year and £8 million in 2003-04 to initiate the implementation of a National Hi-Tech Crime Strategy. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has determined how that funding should be allocated between the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit and computer crime units in local police forces. The Government will, with ACPO, be reviewing future funding for the Hi-Tech Crime Strategy to ensure effective policing of hi-tech crime.

Sentencing Reform

Lord Haskel: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What progress has been made on proposals for sentencing reform.

Lord Rooker: My right honourable friend the Home Secretary will be publishing the report of a Review of the Sentencing Framework at 9.30 am on 5 July, copies of which will be available in the Vote Office and placed in the Library. The review was announced on 16 May 2000. The review, which was led by John Halliday, a senior official in the Home Office who has now retired, was established to consider what principles should guide sentencing decisions and what types of disposal should be made available to the courts so as more effectively to reduce re-offending.
	The report, which is a very thorough and thought-provoking document, was presented to Ministers on 1 May. The report contains a number of interesting proposals and recommendations, which the Government will consider very carefully. The review was conducted in an open and inclusive way and, in line with what my right honourable friend the Home Secretary said in the House on 27 June, we want to build upon that process by inviting views on the report's recommendations before reaching final conclusions ourselves. We will be asking for initial comments by 31 October 2001 and, in the meantime, the Government will be examining the proposals in more detail. We will make a further statement to Parliament when the Government have considered the responses received during the consultation period.

Performance and Innovation Unit

Baroness Rendell of Babergh: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What additional projects are planned for the Performance and Innovation Unit.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The Prime Minister has asked the Performance and Innovation Unit to undertake a further project to review the legal and regulatory framework for charities and the wider voluntary and community sector and bring forward proposals for reform.
	The Government are committed to working in partnership with charities and the voluntary sector to strengthen their contribution to the health and dynamism of the society and the economy. The project will consider how the regulatory and legal framework could better enable existing organisations to thrive and grow; encourage the development of new types of organisations where needed; and ensure public confidence.
	The Performance and Innovation Unit will report in the winter. The sponsor Minister will be my noble friend Lady Morgan of Huyton.

Rail Systems: International Comparisons

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What studies they have made of the engineering and operational performance of the Swiss railways, SNCF, and other national rail systems; what conclusions they have drawn about the comparative quality of service provided by Railtrack and the operational companies in the United Kingdom; and how far such studies will inform their policy for the future of the railways in the United Kingdom.

Lord Falconer of Thoroton: Railtrack and train operators have regular contact with their counterparts in other countries. This has enabled them to exchange ideas on best practice. However, the extent to which conclusions can be drawn about the comparative quality of service is limited not only by data availability but also by significant national variations in the context for rail, including the level of subsidy from the taxpayer, and by the priority given to rail in national transport policies over successive decades.

London Underground and Directive 91/440

Lord Tebbit: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they regard European Union Directive 91/440 on the development of railways as applicable to the London Underground railway.

Lord Falconer of Thoroton: No. The scope of the Directive specifically excludes, "railway undertakings whose activity is limited to the provision of solely urban, suburban or regional services". We believe London Underground falls within this definition. The Directive is currently given effect in UK law by the Railway Regulations 1998.